DNA20d, and soldering

[WoodenStatue]

So I decided to jump right into the deep end with this whole modding thing (awful plan, I'm well aware ) and try for a Milo (thanks Mamu!). Of course, I'm now having some serious issues.

For background, I've done a ton of welding, and quite a bit of soldering, but at this point that work was 3 years ago. I have "X-TRONIC" MODEL #4010-XTS - 4000 SERIES - SMD - ESD SAFE - NEW Centigrade/Fahrenheit Switch - Digital Soldering Iron Station - 10 SOLDERING TIPS - 1 EXTRA HEATING ELEMENT - 1 ANTI-MAGNETIC TWEEZERS - 1 5X MAGNIFYING LAMP!!! - Amazon.com as my iron, and have been attempting to get this board all soldered and have run into some serious issues. I was trying to do this entire project with lead free (Amazon.com : C2G / Cables to Go 38027 Lead-Free Solder Rosin Core : Soldering Wire : Electronics) throughout, but having never worked with it (lead free] before, I cant tell if I've forgotten how to solder, or this fat solder is just not going to work on the board.

I'm using the iron at 350C, and using a 1mm chiseled pencil tip; Would you go hotter?.
Do y'all use lead free on the entire mod, or just the 510? If not, would 60/40 .3mm work (the only other solder I have lying around)?

I feel lost at the moment. I have everything except the board wired up, but at present, I may have burned up a through-hole waiting for this damn lead-free to actually take. Sorry for the flood of newbishness. I really just want this to work.

 

[retird]

This link my help....lots of videos....

https://video.search.yahoo.com/sear...ZJUDI2NF8x?p=how+to+solder+on+a+circuit+board

 

[WoodenStatue]

I appreciate the links; great resource for general soldering. I have worked on PCBs in the past, but its been many years (and at the time I used typical 60/40 tin lead). My real question is the use of lead free solder on the boards, and what type y'all use. Also the temperatures that this specific board can handle without issue.

 

[retird]

From what I remember using a high tin content solder may require the boards to be pre-heated......99.3% tin is what you are using.....

Personally I use 60/40 tin/lead rosin core .5mm solder (melting point 300 degrees C)..... my mods all use sealed 510 connectors and the juice does not come in contact with any solder....I've also used small diameter silver solder.....but never used lead free 99.3% tin/.07 copper.....

AND proper soldering technique is the key to making good (not cold) solder connections.....soldering iron temperature and tip size is dependent on the type/size of solder you are using and what you are soldering (thru-hole, terminals, surface mount, etc),.......the soldering iron should only contact both surfaces to be soldered just long enough so the solder will flow completely and the solder should not be applied to the tip on the soldering iron (in most cases)...I could go on and on but that's why I linked the soldering videos...

Good luck....

 

[mamu]

Flux is your friend when soldering wires to the DNA board, else you'll have a hard time no matter the temp or solder.

I dab a bit of flux onto a round toothpick, then swab a bit into and around the hole. Good to go with soldering then.

I use a Weller 35W soldering iron and solder from Radio Shack - 60/40 rosin core .032 diameter.

 

[shortyjacobs]

Ugh. Lead free solder is a pain in the ... to work with on small parts. Do yourself a favor, use rosin core for everything but the 510, you'll be much happier.